Ligue 1 – 30th day: OL revolt and overthrow Rennes (3-1)

Lyon came back from hell. Led at half-time by a very good Rennes team, the Lyonnais forced their destiny in the second period to win clearly (3-1). After the opener from Amine Gouiri (0-1, 11th), Corentin Tolisso (1-1, 60th), Alexandre Lacazette (2-1, 68th) and Bradley Barcola (3-1, 79th) offered a welcome success after elimination in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France against Nantes, Wednesday (1-0). Three crucial points that allow Les Gones to be seventh, three lengths from… Rennes.

In a silent Groupama Stadium and without its Bad Gones due to boycotts, the Lyonnais were dominated for the first 30 minutes of this meeting. Time for Amine Gouiri, former home, to open the scoring with a shot under the crossbar after a small bridge on Sinaly Diomandé (0-1, 11th). Sharper in duels and effective in pressing, Bruno Genesio’s players put Anthony Lopes to work through Arnaud Kalimuendo (24th) and Baptiste Santamaria (26th), while Benjamin Bourigeaud lacked precision (2nd, 22nd, 88th).

After half an hour of play, Lyon began to show more desire and to approach the goal of Dogan Alemdar, replacing Steve Mandanda, hit in the thigh. Well embarrassed by an organized Rennes defense, the Rhodaniens had finally not framed at the break. Increasingly prominent throughout the game, Rayan Cherki led the Lyon revolt with good gaps or dangerous crosses. Until Corentin Tolisso validates this impression on the scoreboard. A dry strike from outside the area after a corner played back by Maxence Caqueret (1-1, 60th). His first goal for Lyon since April 8, 2017.

Lyon carried by its glorious elders

Transcended by this equalizing goal on their first shot on target of the match, the Lyonnais continued to put Rennes under pressure. Upon receiving an unscrewed strike from Johan Lepenant, Alexandre Lacazette concluded at close range with the flat of the right foot (2-1, 68th). Tolisso then Lacazette, the two former incomers last summer, carried their club this Sunday. As Rennes lost what had been their strength in the first half and were unable to strike again until the 88th minute, Lyon drove home the point.

Player in form at the moment, Bradley Barcola quietly took over a center back from Rayan Cherki (3-1, 79th) to give Lyon a definitive break from the lead. A turnaround favorable to Lyon, therefore, which finally won this season after conceding the opener (four draws and seven defeats out of the previous eleven). It was a first day at Groupama Stadium, since Bruno Genesio lost for the first time with Rennes against his former club. Instead of overtaking Lille in fifth place, the Rennais see Lyon come back on their heels.